Topical Encyclopedia
Definition: The term "expectingly" refers to the attitude or state of looking forward to something with anticipation and hope. In a biblical context, it often relates to the anticipation of God's promises, the return of Jesus Christ, or the fulfillment of divine prophecies.
Biblical Context:1.
Anticipation of God's Promises: The Bible is replete with promises from God to His people, and believers are encouraged to wait expectantly for their fulfillment. In
Psalm 5:3 , David exemplifies this attitude: "In the morning, O LORD, You hear my voice; at daybreak I lay my plea before You and wait in expectation." This verse highlights the practice of presenting one's requests to God and waiting with hope for His response.
2.
The Return of Jesus Christ: One of the central tenets of Christian eschatology is the second coming of Jesus Christ. Believers are called to live expectantly, looking forward to His return. In
Titus 2:13 , Paul writes, "as we await the blessed hope and glorious appearance of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ." This expectation shapes the moral and spiritual conduct of Christians, urging them to live in a manner worthy of the coming King.
3.
Fulfillment of Prophecies: The Bible contains numerous prophecies, many of which have been fulfilled, while others await completion. Expectation plays a crucial role in the life of faith, as seen in the example of Simeon in
Luke 2:25-26 : "Now there was a man in Jerusalem named Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ." Simeon's expectant waiting was rewarded when he beheld the infant Jesus.
4.
Prayer and Expectation: Expectation is also a vital component of prayer. Believers are encouraged to pray with faith, trusting that God will answer according to His will. In
Mark 11:24 , Jesus teaches, "Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours." This verse underscores the importance of expectant faith in the practice of prayer.
5.
Hope and Assurance: Expectation is closely linked to hope, a fundamental aspect of the Christian faith.
Romans 8:24-25 states, "For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what he already sees? But if we hope for what we do not yet see, we wait for it patiently." This passage emphasizes the assurance and patience that accompany expectant hope in God's promises.
Theological Implications:Expectantly waiting on the Lord is an expression of faith and trust in His sovereignty and timing. It reflects a heart that is aligned with God's purposes and is willing to submit to His divine plan. This attitude fosters spiritual growth, perseverance, and a deeper relationship with God. Expectation, when rooted in biblical truth, becomes a powerful motivator for holy living and active service in the Kingdom of God.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
(
adv.) In a state of expectation.
Thesaurus
Expectingly (7 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance
Expectingly (7 Occurrences).
... Genesis 19:26 And his wife
looketh
expectingly from behind him, and she is -- a pillar of salt! (YLT).
...Expecting (22 Occurrences)
Travelers (6 Occurrences)
... byways. (WEB DBY WBS NAS RSV NIV). Job 6:19 Passengers of Tema looked
expectingly, Travellers of Sheba hoped for them. (See NAS RSV)....
Traveling (22 Occurrences)
... awakened." (See NIV). Job 6:19 Passengers of Tema lookedexpectingly,
Travellers of Sheba hoped for them. (See NIV). Song of Songs...
Travellers (8 Occurrences)
... through byways. (KJV JPS ASV BBE). Job 6:19 Passengers of Tema looked
expectingly, Travellers of Sheba hoped for them. (YLT). Job...
Expects (1 Occurrence)
Ensign (21 Occurrences)
... Moses maketh a serpent of brass, and setteth it on the ensign, and it hath been,
if the serpent hath bitten any man, and he hath lookedexpectingly unto the...
Passengers (6 Occurrences)
... Acts 27:37 There were 276 of us, crew and passengers, all told. (WEY). Job 6:19
Passengers of Tema lookedexpectingly, Travellers of Sheba hoped for them. (YLT)...
Circuit (27 Occurrences)
... Genesis 19:17 And it cometh to pass when he hath brought them out without, that
he saith, 'Escape for thy life; look notexpectingly behind thee, nor stand...
Setteth (116 Occurrences)
... Moses maketh a serpent of brass, and setteth it on the ensign, and it hath been,
if the serpent hath bitten any man, and he hath lookedexpectingly unto the...
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